Malaysia: COVID-19 frontliners in need of support
Graphic: People wearing face masks line up at a post office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
SUHAKAM urges Malaysian Government to 'Leave No One Behind’ in COVID-19 response.
Amidst a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) has reiterated its call for the Malaysian Government to uphold the principle of ‘Leaving No One Behind’ by ensuring refugees and undocumented migrants are included in the national vaccination program.
In a statement, SUHAKAM commended the Malaysian Government on the increase in testing and screening efforts, and its success in ramping up the national COVID-19 immunisation program, but also called for appropriate support to be provided to frontline workers and their families, including healthcare workers, contract workers and volunteers, to ensure their safety and welfare.
This includes adequate provision of personal protection equipment and other benefits in light of the risks they face on a daily basis. SUHAKAM also hopes relevant government ministries will take proactive steps to provide immediate assistance for small and medium businesses that have incurred tremendous losses due to the pandemic.
Date: 26 July 2021
Image credits
- People wearing face masks line up at a post office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Abdul Razak Latif on Shutterstock